General Description
Water-white liquid with an odor of rancid butter. Flash point 190°F. Density 8.0 lb/gal. Corrosive to metals and tissue. Low toxicity.
Reactivity Profile
BUTYRIC ANHYDRIDE(106-31-0) reacts exothermically with water. The reaction is usually slow, but might become violent if local heating accelerates their rate. Acids accelerate the reaction with water. Incompatible with acids, strong oxidizing agents, alcohols, amines, and bases.
Air & Water Reactions
Slowly reacts with water to form butyric acid.
Health Hazard
TOXIC; inhalation, ingestion or contact (skin, eyes) with vapors, dusts or substance may cause severe injury, burns or death. Contact with molten substance may cause severe burns to skin and eyes. Reaction with water or moist air will release toxic, corrosive or flammable gases. Reaction with water may generate much heat that will increase the concentration of fumes in the air. Fire will produce irritating, corrosive and/or toxic gases. Runoff from fire control or dilution water may be corrosive and/or toxic and cause pollution.
Fire Hazard
Combustible material: may burn but does not ignite readily. Substance will react with water (some violently) releasing flammable, toxic or corrosive gases and runoff. When heated, vapors may form explosive mixtures with air: indoors, outdoors and sewers explosion hazards. Most vapors are heavier than air. They will spread along ground and collect in low or confined areas (sewers, basements, tanks). Vapors may travel to source of ignition and flash back. Contact with metals may evolve flammable hydrogen gas. Containers may explode when heated or if contaminated with water.
Description
Butyric anhydride, or Butanoic anhydride, is a chemical compound with the formula (CH3CH2CH2CO)2O.It is a colorless liquid that smells strongly of butyric acid, formed by its reaction with the moisture in the air.
Chemical Properties
clear liquid
Application
Because of its odor, butyric anhydride has use as a fumigant to drive bees from their hives in products such as Bee - Go.
Safety
Butyric anhydride is a combustible, corrosive liquid. It is considered water sensitive.
Purification Methods
Dry the anhydride by shaking it with P2O5, then distilling it. [Beilstein 2 IV 802.]
